Elkhorn in Jefferson County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Elkhorn
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests
| | USDA Forest Service | |
Photographed by Doreen Thomson, circa August 3, 2012
1. Elkhorn Marker
In 1868 the first mine was started in the Elkhorns. A.M. Holter, a Virginia City pioneer, started the Elhorn Mine in 1875. by February of 1888 the mine was producing $30,000 worth of ore monthly.
As the mine developed during the 1870's the town of Elkhorn grew up around it. As many as 2500 people lived in the town of Elkhorn during the 1880's. During this time period up to 1500 mules worked the mines and 500 woodsmen cut time for the mines.
by 1900 the Elkhorn mine had produced 8,902,000 ounces of silver and 8500 ounces of gold and more than 4 million pounds of lead.
Elkhorn's boom days ended in 1892 when the price of silver fell. over time the population of Elkhorn fell to what you see here today.
All the land, buildings, and other property in Elkhorn townsite are private. Enjoy your stay, but please respect private property.
Erected by Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 46° 16.506′ N, 111° 56.762′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country and in Greater Helena. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fraternity Hall (a few steps from this marker); The Boulder River Bridge (approx. 8.3 miles away); Montana State School (approx. 8.6 miles away); Boulder Hot Springs (approx. 8.8 miles away); a different marker also named Boulder Hot Springs (approx. 8.8 miles away); Jefferson County Courthouse (approx. 8.8 miles away); Freighters (approx.
Photographed by Doreen Thomson, circa August 3, 2012
2. Shoemaker's Shop
Photographed by Doreen Thomson, circa August 3, 2012
3. First Elkhorn School
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by Doreen Thomson of Calgary, Alberta Canada. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Doreen Thomson of Calgary, Alberta Canada. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
